Senator Durbin submitted a statement for the hearing held yesterday by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The hearing was titled, "Food Safety: Current Challenges and New Ideas to Safeguard Consumers".

In the statement, Senator Durbin addressed that dated methods used to oversee modern food distribution systems. He also suggested changes that should be made to increase food safety protocols, including:

  • Giving federal agencies the ability to issue mandatory recalls
  • Implementation of a regular inspection program for domestic food facilities
  • Requirements for food producers to code products for ease in tracking origins
  • Creation of a single food safety agency